THE EXPERIENCE

Each morning, you’ll walk through our gardens and aquaponics systems, selecting fresh ingredients for the day’s meals. Learn traditional Caribbean cooking techniques passed down through generations, then add modern twists using innovative growing methods. By week’s end, you’ll understand not just how to cook Caribbean cuisine, but where it comes from and why it matters.

This is more than food. It’s culture, history, sustainability, and connection—all served on a plate.

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YOUR CULINARY JOURNEY (Day-by-Day Overview)

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome
• Airport pickup and transfer to Vicky’s Keys
• Welcome orientation and farm tour
• Traditional Caribbean welcome dinner
• Meet your culinary guides and fellow participants

Days 2-6: Culinary Immersion
• Morning: Harvest fresh ingredients from permaculture gardens and aquaponics
• Mid-morning: Cooking workshop with local chefs
• Lunch: Prepare and enjoy your harvest
• Afternoon: Market visits, food sourcing, cultural exploration
• Evening: Dinner preparation and community meal

Day 7: Celebration & Departure
• Traditional Caribbean BBQ celebration
• Recipe exchange and final cooking session
• Departure with your culinary collection and memories

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DAILY ACTIVITIES & HANDS-ON LEARNING

Harvest & Grow:
✓ Walk through our permaculture gardens and aquaponics systems
✓ Pick fresh herbs and vegetables minutes before cooking
✓ Catch tilapia from aquaponics tanks and prepare fresh
✓ Understand sustainable food production methods
✓ Learn about Caribbean indigenous ingredients

Master Traditional Dishes:
✓ Callaloo (Caribbean spinach stew)
✓ Johnny cakes (traditional fried bread)
✓ Fresh fish preparations (grilled, steamed, ceviche)
✓ Caribbean rice and peas
✓ Tropical fruit desserts and preserves
✓ Homebrewed rum infusions and sauces

Learn Heritage Techniques:
✓ Traditional Caribbean cooking methods passed down through generations
✓ Wood oven cooking (sustainable Caribbean innovation)
✓ Food preservation techniques for tropical climates
✓ Creating sauces, seasonings, and preserves from scratch
✓ Modern twists on classic Caribbean dishes

Explore Food Culture:
✓ Visit local markets and learn ingredient sourcing
✓ Meet local farmers and food producers
✓ Understand Caribbean food history and cultural significance
✓ Participate in a traditional Caribbean BBQ celebration
✓ Connect with community members and local chefs

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✨ WHAT’S INCLUDED

Accommodation & Meals:
✓ 7 nights in our dormitory styled eco-lodge, you will be sharing a dorm with other participants (comfortable bunkbeds, sustainable)
✓ All meals (which you’ll help prepare!)
✓ Snacks and refreshments throughout the day
✓ Homebrewed rum tastings and local beverages

Culinary Education:
✓ 7 days of cooking workshops and cultural food experiences
✓ Market visits and local food sourcing trips
✓ Hands-on preparation of 3 meals daily
✓ Instruction from local chefs and community members
✓ Recipe collection (all dishes you’ll learn)
✓ Growing guides for Caribbean ingredients
✓ Food preservation techniques manual

Activities & Experiences:
✓ Daily farm harvesting and aquaponics exploration
✓ Cultural heritage site excursions
✓ Traditional Caribbean BBQ celebration
✓ Seed samples to take home
✓ WiFi access to stay connected

Logistics:
✓ Airport pickup and drop-off
✓ Ground transportation to markets and cultural sites
✓ Welcome gift package
✓ Orientation materials and guides

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👥 PERFECT FOR

✓ Food lovers seeking authentic culinary experiences
✓ Home cooks wanting to expand their Caribbean cooking skills
✓ Professional chefs seeking culinary inspiration
✓ Culinary travelers exploring regional food traditions
✓ Anyone interested in Caribbean culture and sustainable food systems
✓ Foodies wanting to understand farm-to-table from seed to plate
✓ Wellness travelers seeking nourishing, healthy cuisine
✓ Cultural explorers interested in Caribbean heritage

Group Size: Limited to 8 participants for an intimate, personalized culinary experience

Difficulty Level: All levels welcome (no cooking experience necessary)

Physical Activity: Moderate (gardening, walking, standing while cooking)

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PRICING & BOOKING

Price: $825 USD per person

What’s Included: Everything listed above (accommodation, meals, workshops, activities, transfers)

What’s NOT Included:
• International flights to Sint Maarten
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses and souvenirs
• Alcoholic beverages beyond tastings
• Tips and gratuities (appreciated but optional)

Payment:
• 50% deposit required to secure your spot
• Balance due 30 days before arrival
• Accepted: Credit cards, PayPal, Revolut, Skrill, CARET tokens (10% discount)

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WHAT YOU’LL TAKE HOME

✓ Complete Recipe Collection – All dishes you’ve learned, with detailed instructions
✓ Growing Guides – How to grow Caribbean ingredients in your climate
✓ Food Preservation Manual – Techniques for tropical climates
✓ Seed Samples – Actual seeds to plant at home
✓ Cooking Confidence – Skills and knowledge to recreate Caribbean cuisine
✓ Cultural Connection – Understanding of Caribbean food heritage and significance
✓ Unforgettable Memories – New friendships, stories, and flavors

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WHAT PAST PARTICIPANTS SAY

“This wasn’t just a cooking class—it was a complete cultural immersion. I learned so much about Caribbean food history, and I can now cook authentic dishes at home. The farm-to-table experience was truly transformative.” – Sarah, USA

“The best week of my life. Harvesting ingredients in the morning and cooking them for dinner that same day was magical. I felt like part of the community.” – Marcus, Canada

“As a professional chef, I was blown away by the traditional techniques and the innovative use of aquaponics. This experience inspired my entire menu.” – Chef Antoine, France

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SUSTAINABILITY & IMPACT

When you book this experience, you’re supporting:
✓ Sustainable agriculture in the Caribbean
✓ Local community members and farmers
✓ Cultural heritage preservation
✓ Environmental conservation
✓ Eco-tourism development in Sint Maarten
✓ Educational programs at Vicky’s Keys

Every booking directly supports our mission to build resilient, self-reliant Caribbean communities.

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❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do I need cooking experience?
A: No! All levels are welcome. Our guides will teach you everything from basics to advanced techniques.

Q: What if I have dietary restrictions?
A: We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs. Please let us know when booking.

Q: What’s the weather like in Sint Maarten in [month]?
A: Sint Maarten is warm year-round (75-85°F). Hurricane season is June-November. We operate year-round with appropriate precautions.

Q: Can I extend my stay?
A: Yes! Additional nights available at $150/night including meals and activities.

Q: Is WiFi really available?
A: Yes, we have reliable WiFi throughout the property so you can stay connected if needed.

Q: What about transportation from the airport?
A: Included! We’ll pick you up from Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM).

Q: Can I bring family members?
A: Absolutely! We welcome families. Children 12+ can participate fully. Younger children can join with modifications.

Q: What’s the cancellation policy?
A: 30+ days before: Full refund. 15-29 days: 50% refund. Less than 15 days: No refund (but you can reschedule).

Q: Is this experience eco-friendly?
A: Yes! We use solar power, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, and sustainable cooking methods throughout.

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READY TO COOK?

Join us for an unforgettable culinary journey where you’ll harvest, learn, cook, and celebrate the true flavors of the Caribbean.

[Check Availability & Book Now →]

Limited spots available. Secure your culinary adventure today!

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Questions? Email: info@vickyskeys.com | WhatsApp: +31 850041137

Follow us: Instagram @VickysKeysSXM | Facebook @VickysKeys

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Vicky’s Keys Volunteer Centre
Sint Maarten, Caribbean
“Where Agriculture Meets Adventure”

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Pricing: $825 USD per person per bed
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Group Size: Limited to 8 participants
Difficulty: All levels
Best For: Food lovers, cultural explorers, sustainable travel enthusiasts